Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin completely enclosed by a ring of 7,000–8,000m peaks — Annapurna I, II, III, IV, South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. The only entrance is through the narrow Modi Khola gorge. ABC sits at its centre.

The standard ABC trek often takes 12–14 days. This 10-day version uses efficient routing via Ghorepani (Poon Hill) on the ascent and a direct return, cutting 3–4 days without losing the key experiences: Poon Hill sunrise and ABC itself.

Absolutely — the two are very different viewpoints. Poon Hill gives a wide-angle view of the full Dhaulagiri–Annapurna horizon. ABC gives a 360° enclosed panorama from inside the mountain ring. Both are essential Annapurna experiences.

At 4,130m, altitude sickness is possible. The gradual approach over 5 days provides good acclimatisation. Symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) should not be ignored. Green Horizon Tours guides carry Diamox and pulse oximeters.

March–April is the peak rhododendron season — the forests between 2,000–3,500m are covered in red, pink, and white blooms. Poon Hill and the trail to Tadapani are particularly spectacular.

Yes — helicopters can reach ABC in good weather. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is strongly recommended (and required by Green Horizon Tours).